By Lucy Meredith
Our very own Bramley Mermaids have teamed up with swimmers from Ilkley Lido and Bollywood dancers to take part in Hollywood meets Bollywood project.
The train on Sundays at Bramley Baths; and are known for their many fabulous vintage synchronised swimming performances over the last 10 years.
They’re taking part in a splashing community dance fusion project part of Bradford 2025.
The project created by Yorkshire Life Aquatic and The Zoobin Surty Dance company brings together a community of over 50 performers from across Yorkshire to celebrate Bradford’s year as City of Culture.
The community cast are taking to land and water at Ilkley Lido against the stunning backdrop of Ilkley Moor for the finale performance on 12 July at 6pm.
A spokesperson said: “Our land troupe lead by Bollywood dance teacher Zoobin Surty have been rehearsing a Bollywood routine at Kala Sangham in Bradford, whilst the swimming troupe have been braving the cool waters of Ilkley Lido and our own Bramley Baths to learn a Hollywood and Bollywood themed synchro dance routine lead by Lucy and Zoe from Yorkshire Life Aquatic.
“We hope to enthral you with vibrant Bollywood performances, and a vintage-style synchronised swimming water dance, with a finale of both troupes performing together.
“The community casts have been working hard rehearsing weekly since May learning routines for the water and land. Join us to celebrate their achievement and see the results of their hard work!”
The Bollywood dancers will perform a series of dances on the poolside of the lido. Then the swimmers will make a splash in the pool, some who have never performed before and are new to synchronised swimming.
The finale combines water and land choreography with the whole cast of performers. Expect vibrant Bollywood bling and Hollywood glamour in one performance!
After the performance, the audience will be invited to come and ‘have a go’ in our short taster sessions. Either dancing with Zoobin or in the pool with Zoe and Lucy.
Bring your swimming gear (if you would like to go in the pool), or you can just explore the beautiful grounds of Ilkley Lido and enjoy themed snacks, which can be purchased from the cafe on site.
This is a collaboration between Zoobin Surty Company and Yorkshire Life Aquatic. This project is supported by the Bradford 2025 Creative Communities Fund programme.
The finale runs at Ilkley lido on Saturday, 12 July 2025 from 6pm to 7pm. To reserve your free ticket, click this booking link.
- Check out WLD’s what’s on section for more local events, groups and activities.
Sponsored content
